The allure and mystic nature of butterflies has continued to mesmerize humans for thousands of years. The metamorphosis from caterpillar to such a delicate winged creature, has spawned a treasure trove of enduring folklore and fairy tales. It is not uncommon for adults faced with the loss of a loved one, to find solace in the happy and playful flight of butterflies as a sign from a newly departed soul.

Inspired by my pocket watch Sailor’s Valentines and after a search for over a year for the perfect miniature butterflies - the Kaléidoscope de Papillon Necklace Collection has morphed into reality. Kaleidoscope is the term used for a cluster of butterflies and with their unique rainbow of colors - the term is very appropriate.

A cluster of five iridescent Common Blue miniature butterflies appear to be captured in flight, creating a mesmerizing diorama housed within an an heirloom silver paste locket. The incredibly talented artist who designs these precious wings of fancy in miniature, has done so with exacting accuracy and details. Look closely and you can see not only the beautiful iridescence of the wings with shaded edges, but the painstaking modeling of the minuscule blue butterfly body including the antennae and legs.

This unique butterfly tableau has been married to a long layering necklace of hand-linked blue chalcedony, intercepted with light pastel lavender scorolite beads and flanked with cultured freshwater pearls. The opalescent quality of the scorolite beads repeats the beautiful lavender pink and periwinkle blue shimmering colors of the butterfly wings. The charming bow crowned silver paste locket is the perfect frame for this tiny work of art. The convex glass cover on the locket helps to magnify the details of this delicate swarm of beauty.